The Argosy, Vol. 57

# The Grey Monk by T. W. Speight

This serialized novel (Chapter XVIII, "The False Heir") concerns a inheritance fraud scheme. Captain Verinder has orchestrated a plot to present Luigi Rispani, an Italian drawing-master, as the long-lost grandson of Sir Gilbert Clare, baronet, with Giovanna (Luigi's mother) collaborating. The plan depends on Sir Gilbert's affection and eventual bequest, as he recently removed the entail from his estates, making them his personal property rather than automatically inheriting to heirs.

When Luigi meets Sir Gilbert, the baronet is emotionally moved but outwardly cold, deeply disappointed that Luigi bears no physical resemblance to his deceased son Alec. Captain Verinder, excluded from the private meeting, grows angry at being snubbed. Luigi, a cowardly man who abandoned his theater position expecting imminent wealth, struggles nervously through the interview while Sir Gilbert questions him about his qualifications and past work as a drawing-master.